No happy homecoming to Fratton Park for one of Portsmouth’s own after Crystal Palace exit
It’s the romantic summer transfer placed towards the top of most supporters’ Pompey wishlist.
Sold to avoid Portsmouth being liquidated
Inevitably, his availability has seen many of the Fratton faithful longing for a Blues reunion for the local lad who rose through the ranks to make 96 appearances and score eight times, including against Southampton.
Indeed, it was Pompey who sold Ward to Palace in the first place in the summer of 2012, cashing in on the talented young defender to fight off the threat of being liquidated by administrators PKF.
In reality, though, The News understands Pompey are not among the list of admirers pursuing the 35-year-old’s signature this summer.
Portsmouth have three contracted right-backs
And that stance is unlikely to change, with John Mousinho well-stocked for right-backs – as he is in most positions across the back line, for that matter.
Having activated the 12-month option on Zak Swanson, it leaves the Blues with three contracted right-backs for the 2025-26 campaign and absolutely no room for Ward as well.
Admittedly the versatile Ward can also operate at centre-half and left-back, as demonstrated during his time with Palace in the Premier League.
Yet Mousinho currently has six contracted central defenders, which in itself is too many. The likes of Ryley Towler and Tom McIntyre could depart this summer, although they still want to add Rob Atkinson if possible.
Besides, Marlon Pack, Connor Ogilvie and Jordan Williams can also offer cover should the need arise, with all featuring there as stand-ins during last season.
As for left-back, Ogilvie and Jacob Farrell are the contenders. Certainly Pompey will be hoping Farrell is now over the injury issues which restricted the Australian to just one outing in his maiden English campaign.
Such is the Blues’ confidence in Ogilvie and Farrell, they opted not to retain Cohen Bramall following his short-term stint.
Reaches the age of 36 in October
Ward, who turns 36 in October, featured just three times last season, including starting the final home match against Wolves, which resulted in the Eagles winning 4-2.
